The Armenian
Apostolic Church of St Gregory the Illuminator (Singapore).

Introduction

Armenians are one of the most scattered
races in the world. Whether enticed by better prospects elsewhere or forced
to flee by conquest, they have put down roots in many new lands. When
conditions for some Armenians long domiciled in Persia
became untenable, they looked for new homes, turning towards India and later, Penang and Singapore.

Although fewer than 830 Armenians ever
lived in Singapore and Malaysia,
they played a significant role in the social, civic and economic life of the
early British trading settlements in both countries.

Their achievements were quite
incommensurate with their minute numbers. Not only did Armenian become
respected citizens during their lifetimes, but four of Singapore’s icons owe
their existence to them: the Straits Times newspaper, the Vanda
Miss Joaquim orchid, Raffles Hotel and the Church of St Gregory.

Based on extensive research from
newspapers, church, cemetery and official records, interviews with Armenians
and their descendants, this seminal book by Nadia Wright provides a
documented social history of this hitherto neglected minority.

This book
traces the origins of Singapore’s national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim
using documented evidence. As an adjunct, the lives of Agnes Joaquim (Ashkhen
Hovakimian) who hybridised the orchid, and Henry Ridley, who published the
first account of it, are described within their Singapore context.

Illustrations,
beautiful photographs, a comprehensive bibliography and an index complement
this updated and readable account of Agnes’ exquisite orchid.